Ellen A. McCarthy

Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior and Redeemer ushered His creation, Ellen Anne McCarthy into His eternal kingdom on Wednesday, May 6, 2015. Throughout her 85 years, Ellen strived to fulfill her vows to the Lord in her work, marriage, family and her many associations, thereby distinguishing her death as precious in the eyes of Christ.

Ellen A. McCarthy was born March 6, 1930 to the late William J. and Catherine A. McGrory. Additionally, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Elizabeth, Mary Jane, Johann and brothers, William and John.

Ellen was a graduate of Ursuline Academy and Saint Francis Nursing School where she earned her license as a registered nurse. She worked throughout her life in a variety of nursing specializations beginning at the Doris Memorial Unit of the Wilmington General Hospital, as an office nurse and medical assistant to the late Joseph R. Beck, MD and as a staff nurse at the Meadowood Treatment Facility, in New Castle.

Ellen was married in May of 1954 to Thomas J. McCarthy, Sr. who preceded her in death in 1972. She is survived by four children, Thomas J. McCarthy, Jr. (Sharon) of Middletown, DE, William J. McCarthy (Patricia) of Chesapeake, VA, Francis G. McCarthy (Deborah) of Newtown Square, PA and Ellen A. LaFazia (John) of New Castle, DE; sister, Catherine Casey; brother, Thomas McGrory; and 13 grandchildren.

In the days prior to her passing, Ellen was comforted by family members and medical professionals at Seasons Hospice alike who are witnesses to the fact that her death was swallowed up in the victory of Christ’s resurrection “ a blessed assurance that is available to all who confess their sins and who profess the name of Jesus. We mourn for our beloved, but not as those who have no hope.

Ellen’s children, together with their spouses and their own children, consider themselves blessed to have had such an excellent mother and grandmother “ a woman who reflected grace, strength and dignity each day of her life, a woman with many personal and professional accomplishments, a woman who spoke with wisdom and humility and a woman who began and ended each day of her life thanking Jesus Christ for the opportunity to trust, obey and follow Him. On May 6, 2015 she did follow Christ into His eternal kingdom and we rejoice.

Ellen’s family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Chavise and Carissa and the entire staff of Seasons Hospice for the loving care they provided in the last days of her life.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 1 pm on Monday afternoon, May 11, 2015 at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, 801 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. Interment will follow in Cathedral Cemetery, 2400 Lancaster Avenue, Wilmington, DE.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Smile Train, one of Ellen’s favorite charities, c/o PO Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231.